Detroit Mercy cyclists to hit road Friday for midnight ride

The Midnight Bike Ride – set for this Friday, Sept. 15 – is one of the school year’s biggest events

“The bike ride is probably the most enjoyable event for me,” said Imari Smith, president of the Student Programming Board President.

Upwards of 300 students, staff and community members join this event for the 23-mile journey.

“It takes hard work to pull something so fun together,” said Smith. “The bikes are rented from a local company, Public Safety and Detroit Police escort the bikers and we give away Dri-fit shirts every year.”

The ride is popular with students.

“I love the bike ride,” said former student Olivia Koh, who graduated last year with her biology degree and is now in dental school in Brooklyn. “It was the only day of the year that I really wanted to exercise.”

Koh said riding with friends makes the activity more enjoyable.

“You don’t even know you’re riding for 20-plus miles,” Koh said. “Some riders play music. You get to try to race your friends. It just makes the whole event more enjoyable. And it’s safe!”

To join the bike ride, you must register online.

Limited spots are available, and the event is free for students.

“Some students are able to rent a bike for no cost, which really helps participation,” said Smith. “But spots fill up very quickly. It is $5 for community individuals to ride along.”

The bike ride has been a tradition for more than 25 years, according to Adam Hollman, assistant director of Student Life Programming.